U.S. Chamber Gains Strong Hill Support - More Lawmakers Receive Annual Award

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The United States Chamber of Commerce today announced 287 lawmakers voted for its pro-business policy agenda in the second session of the 106th Congress, an increase of 9 percent over the previous year, during the Chamber’s 13th annual "Spirit of Enterprise" award reception on Capitol Hill.

"Members of Congress who voted in the best interests of their business and worker constituents can take credit for pro-business policies that are vital for continued economic growth," said U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas Donohue. "Their support will be even more important this year as we tackle tough issues like tax cuts and regulatory relief."

The Chamber ranks members of Congress for key business votes, set out in its annual publication, How They Voted. Votes included in the rankings are Chamber-designated "key votes," recorded floor votes on issues established as priorities by the Chamber’s board of directors on which the Chamber communicates its position prior to the vote.

Members of Congress who support the Chamber’s position on at least 70 percent of key votes receive the annual Spirit of Enterprise award. Key 2000 votes included granting permanent normal trade relations to China, repealing the estate tax and rejecting the Clinton administration’s new ergonomics standard. The Chamber is already considering this year’s key votes, among them President Bush’s $1.6 trillion tax cut proposal.

"As Congress considers the Bush tax cut plan, the Chamber will fight hard for a comprehensive tax cut package that will give a boost to all taxpayers and the economy," said Donohue. "We will aggressively promote tax relief measures that are important to the business community."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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